Gunsmith's Guide - Colorado School of Trades

What Is the Attraction to AR-15’s and Building Them?

August 9, 2016July 24, 2018 by Colorado School of Trades

For many people, the AR-15 is the gun of choice. One of its biggest draws is that it offers an easy to modify platform.

For shooters, the gun becomes easy to adapt from one purpose to another. Those options include hunting, target practice, home and self-defense.

Another draw, these guns are easy to build even for novice gunsmiths. That little fact causes a lot of interest in these guns.

By building it yourself, you can do so for less money. Allowing you to customize it to fit your shooting needs or build more than one. Still, the question remains — How easy are these guns to build from scratch? The answer is a little more complex but in the general sense, they are easy to build.

What Do You Need to Build an AR-15 at Home?

Almost all the parts needed to build an AR-15 are available online. The most scrutinized piece of the AR-15 is the lower receiver. In fact, it is the only part of the unit that federal and state laws actually consider the weapon. This is also the most cumbersome part to get.

You will need both a lower and upper receiver and a parts kit for each.
You will need a buffer, buffer tube, and a buffer spring for the extension on the lower receiver.
You will need a Barrel and gas block system – Most opt for a carbine length gas system.
You will need handguards – It is a good idea to match them to the gas block system. They are available in different lengths – carbine, mid-length, or rifle.
You will need a firing pin kit or bolt carrier group. These consist of a carrier, bolt, firing pin, cam, extractor, ejector and spring.
You will need to finish off the gun with a Buttstock. These come either as a collapsible unit or fixed.
You will need magazines.
Ensure that you meet federal and state laws in regards to building a pistol or rifle and the appropriate parts to meet the definitions.

The Difficult Part

Literally, the difficult part is the lower receiver. You can get a lower receiver at a gun dealer, gunsmith, from an online seller. You will have to find a gunsmith or gun dealer to act as an intermediate for an online sale.

Once that happens they will resell the unit to you when it arrives. The key to building an AR-15 is being specific about its use. The parts for the hunting version differ from those for the unit used in home defense. Save all that wasted money on parts you don’t need by being specific about what you want this gun to do.

Putting It All Together

You have a lot of options when you buy parts. You can buy pre-assembled receivers. These allow you to simply put the pieces together to form the gun. You can buy the pieces one at a time and assemble everything yourself. Start by asking yourself what you want to gain from this experience. There is also no shame in bending the ear of a gunsmith if you need a little help.

You will need the basic understanding of what each part does, its name, and a little ambition. There are about 130 parts, including accessories like flashlights and scopes, that go into a completed AR-15. You will also need some basic tools, a clean work area, and a place where you can assemble small parts.

Special Tools that You Might Need

A clean, flat workspace that you won’t mind if it gets greasy. A metal covered table works well. The bright metal helps you see the parts and it can take a beating.
A rifle mount stand makes the assembly process much easier. Some folks just use a vice, but there is that old saying about using the right tool for the right job.
Good lighting. The parts are small and intricate.
Punches and a hammer
Lubrication rated for gun use.
Headspace gauges and a torque wrench are a must to meet proper specifications.

Firing it for the First Time

There are a few things that you need to do before you load the gun.

Check that the safety works through all settings.
Check that the trigger works. Slowly pull the trigger and listen for the internal parts.
Load a round and fire it.
Recheck the gun for loose parts or damage.
Disassemble, clean and inspect after the first several rounds. You want to look for unusual wear.

Expect to take a few weeks to put together your gun. You want to go slow, especially if this is your first weapon assembly. A good tip is to also have a spare parts kit around in case you bend or lose a part.

John M. Browning’s Start Up

February 9, 2016July 16, 2018 by Colorado School of Trades

Meet John Browning – Passionate Gun Designer and Innovator

John Moses Browning is perhaps the most brilliant gun designer and gunsmith that has thus far graced gunsmithing. His long list of achievements individually are enough to land him on the top ten list of gun designers, but together they move him to the head of the list. That list includes guns such as the 1911 pistol, M1917 and M1919 machine gun and the M2HB, but those are just the superstars. He held over 150 patents and designed over 80 guns. His guns are in service today in military, police, and for people all around the world. John Browning is no doubt a legend in shooting circles. How did he get started?

Browning — the family history

John Browning’s gunsmithing education was not by accident. His father, Jon Browning was a frontiersman who made his living repairing guns in Tennessee. Then, as the family converted to the Mormon religion, they moved to Utah. It was here that John Browning honed his skills as a gunsmith. There is a story about how a ten-year-old John Browning created his first gun using broken flintlock barrel, wire, scraps of tin and some wood. The gun worked and though impressed, his father challenged John to do better, creating the gun that started it all. What John took from his father’s lesson was the idea that improvements mattered.

Inspiration from a muzzle blast

The automatic gun was not a new thought. By the time John Browning came on the scene, the French and Belgium gunsmiths had already created something that was close — the mitrailleuse. Even in the U.S. Army deployed Gatling guns during the Civil War. The difference with all of these guns was that they were not fully automatic. They had to be cranked. It was something that was very common that sparked John’s interest in creating a fully automatic gun. At a target shooting competition, the force of a muzzle blast caused him to think about how he could use that force to improve guns. The pathway to a fully automatic gun was born.

Success breeds success

The first of the Browning Guns was a single-shot rifle, which he designed and manufactured by hand. He and his brothers took over the family business and expanded their services. It was this single-shot rifle that enabled John Browning to begin seriously inventing guns. The rifle was well made and it attracted the attention of Winchester’s head man T. G. Bennett. Winchester bought the rights for John’s single-shot rifle. In his mind, John M. Browning had another design – one that he discussed with Bennett. Browning designed and patented that rifle, then presented it to Winchester who bought the rights for manufacture in what would become the Winchester Model 1886. It was a large-bore lever action repeating rifle and a gateway to a long relationship between Browning and Winchester. Within two years, Browning designed and Winchester bought the manufacturing rights to 11 different guns.

The automatic gun inventor

It took him a day to design a new gun that would use the gas from discharge to create the world’s first truly automatic gun. He and his brothers took John’s design from concept to reality in just a day. They tested, refined and perfected a machine gun that fired .45 caliber bullets at six times per second. Instead of going to Winchester, John M. Browning went to Colt. Colt was a manufacturer of military guns. After demonstrations for both Colt and later for the U.S. Navy, John Browning‘s Colt Model 1865 Automatic Machine Gun began production where it would earn distinction during the Spanish-American War.

The list of what John M. Browning and his Browning Guns accomplished is long and distinguished. He was not an engineer by degree, but he was a gunsmith with passion for his craft. It was that passion, mixed with the desire to do the best he could that propelled John Browning into the position of one the most brilliant gunsmiths the world has known.

Gunsmith’s Guide: How to Choose a Shotgun Shell for Your Next Hunt

November 16, 2015July 26, 2018 by Colorado School of Trades

Hunters often favor shotguns because the firearm option is extremely versatile. However, this has resulted in an immense and complex ammunition market. When shopping for shotgun ammunition, you’ll come across thousands of different types of shotgun shells that offer diverse results. With the right ammunition, you’re more likely to be an effective hunter.

Shotgun gauge sizes

According to gunsmithing experts, the first step to buying the right shotgun ammunition involves choosing the best gauge. In the firearms industry, manufacturers measure shotguns in gauges as opposed to calibers. The term “gauge” defines the barrel’s diameter while the number refers to the lead weight that will fit inside a gun’s barrel. If you buy a 12-gauge shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead will fit inside the weapon. As a result, a 20-gauge shotgun is smaller than a 12-gauge.

In the past, people made their own ammunition from purchased lead pieces. An exception to the gauging measurement in shotguns is the .410, which is a small firearm that manufacturers measure by the bore size. If you were to measure it in traditional gauge size terms, it would be a 68-gauge.

Hunters use shotguns to bring down fowl. Also, most hunters choose shotgun shell gauges in smaller sizes for clay target shooting and to hunt small creatures as well as game animals. Larger gauges are best for shooting clay targets. In addition, experts recommend large ammunition for home defense and for hunting big game species like deer and turkey.

Shotgun shell length

Within their corresponding gauges, shotgun chambers are available in different lengths. Keep in mind that even if it’s the proper gauge, it is dangerous to use a shell that’s too long for your shotgun’s chamber. To maintain your personal safety and the security of bystanders, don’t use shells that measure longer than the gun’s guide recommends. However, to shoot with greater accuracy and power, buy the longest types of shotgun shells that are safe to use in your gun.

Types of shotgun shells

Gun enthusiasts refer to the cluster of tiny pellets that you shoot out of a shotgun as shot. In gunsmithing, ammunition manufacturers make shot from pure lead, but they may coat it with other substances like copper, steel or bismuth.

Birdshot is the smallest type of shotgun shell available with letters depicting larger shot sizes. The largest is buckshot, and you’ll want it on hand to hunt deer, vermin or for self-defense. To hunt game birds like woodcock or grouse, select a small diameter shot size like 7 ½, 8 or 9. If you intend to hunt squirrel, duck, rabbit or pheasant, use a 4, 5 or 6 shot size. Large shot sizes include 1, 2 and 3 along with B, BB and BBB.

Other large shot sizes are T, F and FF. Use these sizes for long distance waterfowl hunting based on your preferences. Larger pellets retain their rate of speed and hold enough power to complete rapid kills when you’re shooting at distant ducks and geese. Along with deer, you can use buckshot to bring down a coyote or a fox.

Shotgun slugs

Slugs are another type of shotgun shell. A shotgun slug is a single projectile that most hunters use to take down big game animals like deer or even bears. Slug shotguns come in two different forms — smoothbore or rifled. These terms refer to a gun’s barrel. A smoothbore barrel is a traditional shotgun feature, and you’ll generally use this kind of barrel to shoot pellets.

To shoot big game with a slug shotgun, you’ll want to invest in a gun with a rifled barrel. A shotgun with this type of barrel has grooves and twists that create a spinning and stabilizing action when you release the slug. These barrel features increase accuracy. Shotguns that shoot slugs are specialized firearms, and they are in a separate category.

Nontoxic or lead-free ammunition

Because of environmental concerns, a number of states and regions ban hunters from using lead ammunition. Fortunately, manufacturers offer nontoxic shotgun shell types, also called lead-free ammo or green ammo. These include steel, bismuth, tin and tungsten-polymer materials. Tungsten-iron and tungsten-matrix are also environmentally friendly.

A few final considerations

Choose shotgun shell types and sizes according to the kind of game you intend to hunt. Use caution regarding the length of your ammunition, and while hunting, be sure to use a quality gun that inspires confidence.

Reloading Ammo vs. Buying Ammo – Cost Saver or Time Waster?

October 20, 2015July 24, 2018 by Colorado School of Trades

Whether you’d like to save money or want to learn as much as you can about shooting and gunsmithing, reloading your own ammo may be the way to go. Most shooting enthusiasts eventually grapple with the ammo reloading issue.

On one hand, reloading bullets instead of buying commercial ammunition is often more cost-effective. On the other, it is a fairly time-consuming endeavor.

The question is: Where do you fall on the scale? Does reloading your own ammunition make sense for you?

Ammo reloading: Who does it?

People who reload their own ammunition typically fall into one of two groups. The first is made up of people who shoot a lot. Members of gun clubs go through lots of ammo, so the savings involved in loading their own is compelling.

The second is made up of people who are determined to be the most accurate shooters possible. They believe loading their own is the only way to make the most of their firearms.

If you meet the following criteria, you’ll probably like reloading your own ammo:

Detail-oriented — strong attention to detail is a must
Mechanically inclined — you enjoy tinkering with things and figuring out how they work
Patient — the work is, in some ways, pretty painstaking
You have spare time — this one speaks for itself

Top 4 reasons to load your own ammo

Even if you meet the criteria above, you may be unconvinced about the merits of ammo reloading. Consider these advantages:

Save Money. This one is a little up in the air. Reloading some types of ammo can save you money. The typical 50-count box of commercially produced 44 Magnum bullets will set you back by around $40. Reloading your own ammo costs around $13, so you stand to save a hefty chunk of change. The savings aren’t as significant for other types of ammo, however. In some cases, it may even cost you more to load your own. If savings aren’t your primary concern, though, this may not matter to you.
Improve Accuracy. Commercial ammunition must adhere to specific safety standards. It must be able to perform properly in the majority of firearms, so it’s not always loaded to the levels of velocity that are required for superior performance. Also, bullets must be seated far back enough in the brass to fit just about any magazine. Many believe accuracy is improved when the bullet is seated a little farther out. More importantly, by reloading your own ammo, you can use components that work for your exact gun and that perform properly for your desired application.
Have Fun. Many people reload their own ammo simply because they enjoy it. If you’re curious about the mechanics behind shooting, you will probably enjoy the process of reloading your own ammunition.
Shoot More. Have you ever felt like doing a little shooting, realized you were out of bullets and decided against it? That’s a pretty big letdown, and you can avoid it by keeping the ammo reloading supplies you need handy. From that point forward, you won’t have to run out to buy commercial bullets anymore, and you will be able to shoot more often.

The costliest part of reloading your own ammo is typically buying the equipment and supplies you need . For shotgun reloading that means a reloading press, but you’ll need a lot more for a pistol or rifle.

Used equipment is available, however, and gun clubs often offer great discounts on supplies too. Moreover, you can start with what you need for the caliber you use the most. If you enjoy reloading your own ammo, you can always invest in more dies for other calibers later.

Learn about ammo and the broader world of gunsmithing at the Colorado School of Trades. Our career counselors can help you decide if being a professional gunsmith is the right path for you.

Gunsmith’s Guide: 5 Tips for Choosing the Best Hunting Rifle

October 5, 2015 by Colorado School of Trades

When it comes to a successful hunting trip, there’s nothing more important than choosing the best hunting rifle. Whether you’re heading out for the first time or the fiftieth, it’s all about choosing a rifle that fits your hunting style and the game that you’re pursuing. We build and repair a lot of awesome hunting rifles here at the Colorado School of Trades. Here’s a quick primer of what we consider when we’re looking for a hunting rifle.

1. Do the right research

Buying a hunting rifle means doing research and reading hunting rifle reviews before you head out to shop. Decide which models you’d like to look at, then read up on them. Consult manufacturer websites and online forums. Use other information sources as well. Talk to knowledgeable friends or ask a gunsmith you trust if he has any opinions about a particular rifle. Trust me, he will!

2. Choose the right hunting rifle cartridge

The rifle cartridge, which many people simply call the bullet, is central to any hunting trip. It’s also central to any hunting rifle. Remember that every gun is designed to shoot only certain cartridges. You’ll need to think ahead if you’re going to be hunting very large game, as you may need a rifle you won’t find in a basic hunting collection.

If you’re new to hunting or are looking for a basic hunting setup, consider a gun that’s designed to shoot a .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester or .270 Winchester. For small game and varmints, many hunters go with a basic .22 or .223 Remington. Choose a cartridge that has enough power to take down your game with a single shot.

3. Determine an action plan

The rifle action is responsible for kicking out fired cartridges and loading new cartridges into a rifle’s chamber. When it comes to actions, hunting rifles are designed to fire either single shots or repeat shots. Choosing the right type of action is largely a matter of preference. Some hunters like single-shot rifles, which increase the pressure to make an accurate shot the first time. Others prefer repeating rifles, which decrease pressure and are an ideal choice for newer hunters.

Single-shot choices include rolling-block, break-open, trapdoor and falling-block action rifles. Repeating choices include pump-action, bolt-action, lever-action and automatic rifles. You’ll only be able to determine which is best for you by spending some hands-on time with different rifles.

4. Evaluate materials

You’ll find hunting rifles at a variety of price points, which is good news. However, it’s essential to know what sets the good-but-affordable rifles apart from the just-plain-cheap rifles. You can avoid a bad investment by choosing the right barrel and stock materials.

Most hunting rifles feature either stainless steel or carbon steel for the barrel and other metal components. Carbon steel is cheaper, but it’s more prone to rust than stainless steel. If you keep up on regular rifle maintenance, this shouldn’t be a deal breaker. In terms of the stock, you’ll likely be able to choose from wood or fiberglass. Both are good choices so long as they’re well maintained. When it comes to wood, it’s also important that you choose a good species. Stocks made from materials such as walnut may be more expensive than other wood choices, but they’re also more durable.

5. Budget for rifle optics

Many a hunter has fallen into the trap of buying a great rifle and then having no money left for a rifle scope. Think ahead and budget for your optics so that you’re not stuck with a rifle you can’t use. In terms of budgeting, you can plan to spend between 50 and 100 percent of what you spent on your rifle on a scope. If you already have a suitable scope, remember to mount it, site it and get comfortable with it before you head out to hunt.

Working with a trained gunsmith is the best way to find the hunting rifle that fits your every need. The skilled gunsmiths at the Colorado School of Trades can help provide you the education you need to become a gunsmith who is capable of building the perfect hunting rig, too.

Guest Article: CST Gunsmith Graduate and Instructor Revisits Colorado School of Trades

October 5, 2015June 24, 2021 by Colorado School of Trades

D’Arcy Echols is a professional gunsmith and studied gunsmithing and graduated from the Colorado School of Trades. He built rifles by day in his own gun shop and was an instructor teaching the stockmaking course by night for CST. Echols gave the CST students a presentation of his involvement in gunsmithing over the past 30 years and evolving the role of the custom rifle maker.

Just before the Memorial Day Weekend I spent a day at the Colorado School of Trades giving three one and half hour presentations to the student body. I am a graduate of the School of Trades and was also an instructor for three years while I lived in Denver. I built rifles in my shop during the day and taught in the Stocking Making Dept. at night. I do remember having to monitor approximately 60 stocks being made at any given time as a real challenge. It was also a great learning experience for me to keep all those balls in the air. I don’t remember having to sleep at that age.

The core of my presentation was geared towards my involvement in the trade for the past three decades and the evolving role of the Custom Rifle Maker today. I also addressed the past, current and future outlook for someone wanting to enter this profession from my point of view. My intentions were to ladle out the some honest realities for those in attendance.

The Power Point Presentation contained 115 images that visually walked through many of the procedures used to build both my Legend and Classic Rifles. I discussed a variety of themes in regard to form, function, accuracy and marketing. I touched on the importance engineering, design, jigs, fixtures and techniques required for this line of work and how the majority of this tooling would need to be made as it would never be found in a Brownells or Midway catalog. While brief at best, the subject matter did give the audience a glimmer of what to expect in this profession. I can assure you it was not all peaches and cream. I hope it clued up and gave insight to some of those in attendance that may want to travel this same road. In the words of Angus & Brian Young “It’s a long way to the top if you want to Rock & Roll”.

During a break for lunch I walked onto the floor and as usual made a nuisance of myself. One thing was apparent and that was the administration had elected to step up and invest in some very nice equipment for the students. I was impressed with the machine improvements, noting the addition of CNC machining centers and a CAD design area set aside for the students to design a part in Solidworks, program the part and then make that part. The welding section has wisely gone to teaching the use of TIG, a paint booth was in place for painting fiberglass stocks and they hope to install an oven for baking Cerakote soon.

Walking among the benches it was apparent that little had changed in regard to the “hands on”part of the education. A lot of ground was being covered, as elbows and hands shaped, bent, beat, blended and transformed blocks of steel, wood and various synthetics into the finished projects. I didn’t see anything at that time that looked as if it needed life support which is a testament to the instructors.

I do feel that these trade schools should be much longer in duration akin to those in the Europe but the educational systems and funding are radically different in each case. Apparently most graduates will be hired by companies such as Gander Mountain, Bass Pro, etc, others will become employed by smaller sporting goods stores or independent gun shops while a few others are considering traveling as contract armorer’s for the military. I wonder if I could get a gig checkering M-24’s ?

I have stopped and visited CST every so often to make sure it was still there, looked, smelled and sounded the same. It does and I still feel a connection to this institution. For me it was the key to the door that has carried me a long way. My hat is off the administration, instructors and students and I thank them for their recent hospitality and interest.

10 Benefits of a Career in Gunsmithing

September 21, 2015 by Colorado School of Trades

Have you ever thought about becoming a gunsmith? Gunsmithing careers give you exciting opportunities to work with firearms in different ways. In the course of your work, you may find yourself creating, repairing, customizing and designing a variety of guns. Careers in gunsmithing can prove rewarding and fascinating. The following are 10 benefits that a gunsmith career can give you.

1) If you have an interest in firearms, a gunsmith career will provide you with meaningful work that you enjoy. Instead of treating guns as a hobby, you can get the satisfaction of earning your living from them.

2) Careers in gunsmithing don’t require expensive, lengthy university studies. You can get started as a gunsmith with a high school diploma and acquire the necessary skills through courses offered by a high-quality trade school.

3) You’ll develop important skills throughout your gunsmith career, including drawing, math and the use of various tools. Depending on where you work, you can also gain experience in customer service and in running your own business. Should you ever wish to change career paths, your skills as a gunsmith could prove useful in other lines of work.

4) Gunsmithing careers offer a variety of possibilities for where you can work. Maybe you’ll be employed by a gun shop or sporting goods store. Maybe you’ll get hired at a factory or work with the military and police. Establishing your own business is another option. You can choose the kind of work environment that suits you best.

5) Careers in gunsmithing give you the opportunity to become a well-paid expert. For example, you can specialize in producing certain kinds of firearms or develop expertise in restoring guns from a specific historic period. As you cultivate your reputation over time, you’ll be able to demand higher prices.

6) Self-expression can play an important part in a gunsmith career. Beyond giving you a choice of work environment and specialization, your career presents opportunities for expressing your personal vision about firearms. If you have artistic talents, part of your work may involve adding engraved designs and other decorative touches to your guns.

7) You’ll appreciate the mental challenge offered by careers in gunsmithing. Gunsmithing careers call for alertness, mental flexibility and ingenuity. You’ll need to solve problems and anticipate difficulties for your customers.

8) Individuals working in gunsmithing careers are called on to improve their customers’ safety. When you work with high standards, you help protect people from the risks of shoddy, poorly maintained firearms. You’ll enjoy a sense of satisfaction knowing that when you produce, inspect or repair a gun, you’re playing a role in reducing the chance of a customer suffering an accident.

9) Careers in gunsmithing offer you the chance to share your knowledge and enthusiasm about guns. Whether you’re selling a gun or explaining its history or safe usage, you’ll get to connect with people and share your passion.

10) If you embark on a gunsmith career, you’ll likely enjoy job security. Given the popularity of firearms and people’s practical need for high-quality guns, your skills will be useful throughout the country.

For further information about gunsmithing careers, be sure to visit the website for the Colorado School of Trades. With its reputable and thorough training program, the school can prepare you well for a rewarding career as a gunsmith.

How To Find A Reputable Gunsmith

September 18, 2015July 23, 2018 by Colorado School of Trades

If you own a quality rifle or pistol, an antique gun or a specialty firearm, you need a reliable, experienced gunsmith who has graduated from a top gunsmithing school. It is essential that your gun operates correctly each time you pull the trigger as your life may depend upon it.

In addition, a graduate from a top gunsmith school will know which parts are needed for repairs, and he or she can suggest aftermarket parts and additions. The only problem is finding a professional who has successfully attended one of the leading gunsmithing schools in the country and who meets several other important qualifications.

Federal Licensing and Insurance

Even though completing gunsmithing school is essential, the gunsmith must be federally licensed. He or she must be carrying a valid federal firearms license (FFL).

Without it, the shop is operating illegally and you could find yourself in big trouble. Your guns may be confiscated by federal authorities and you may be subject to charges. The license should be displayed by the gunsmith in a conspicuous location. You can check online for its authenticity and expiration date.

The second qualification an appropriate gunsmith must have is insurance. Your firearms are important to you, and it would be a shame to lose them to theft, fire or other disasters. Always verify your gunsmith’s insurance. Check to see if he or she is bonded. That protects you from accidents or negligence.

Gunsmithing Schools

While many gunsmiths are self-taught or learned their trade informally through the years, neither gives you any verification as to what they know and what they can do. Only someone who has graduated from a gunsmith school can provide any sort of verification.

Gunsmithing schools help potential candidates obtain or hone all the skills that are required to be leaders in their trade, but not every gunsmithing school is equal. It is a great idea to ask a gunsmith which gunsmith school he or she attended, and once a diploma or certificate of completion from a gunsmithing school is provided, you may want to do some research on the institution.

Several types of gunsmithing schools are available for students seeking a gunsmith license. Some of these gunsmithing schools are run by the military or police agencies and are not open to the public, but a gunsmith school for civilians can provide the same or even a higher level of education. This makes researching the gunsmith school of utmost importance.

Reputation

In addition to asking about the gunsmithing school, you can learn a lot about your smith though his or her reputation in the community. A quality gunsmith will have positive reviews online and from other local gun owners. A great way to start this process is by asking around at local gun clubs and shooting ranges.

You will also want to find out how long the gunsmith has been operating his or her shop. In most cases, you will find there is a very good reason why a gunsmith has an established shop that is always busy with loyal clientele.

Gunsmithing Services

The final piece of information you will need in order to determine whether you have found a reliable smith for your guns is whether all services are performed in-house, and if not, to who are they going and why. While it is generally recognized that a gunsmith will not be able to perform work on every type of specialty firearm in existence, he or she should not be farming out standard jobs to other shops.

Founded in 1947, the Colorado School of Trades (CST) has been a gunsmithing training destination since its inception. Our gunsmithing school enjoys a worldwide reputation built on a nearly 70-year history and a long list of successful graduates recognized by top Gunsmith employers everywhere. Find out more about a career in gunsmithing by calling 303-233-4697, Ext. 45.